Chapter 33: Jordan's Trouble
"Zhao Dong has delivered five consecutive games with 20+10 performances, and the response from domestic fans has been overwhelming. Our external hotlines have been inundated with calls, all demanding an increase in live broadcasts. I firmly believe we need to seize this opportunity," said Huang Ping, the deputy director of the sports channel overseeing basketball. His basketball program had long been overshadowed by football, and he wasn't about to let such a golden opportunity slip away.
"Zhao Dong has only just joined the NBA and played a handful of games. Who's to say how he'll perform in the future? What if he falters later? Once a contract is signed, it involves real financial commitments, unlike before when we had more flexibility," retorted Zhang Bing, the vice minister overseeing football programs. The two clashed over limited channel resources; more airtime for basketball inevitably meant less for other sports, intensifying the rivalry.
After listening for a while, Zhou Tianlin, the vice-director in charge of sports, raised his hand to silence the room. "I think we should adopt a wait-and-see approach. The season is long, and there's no need to rush this decision."
His stance ended the debate, with his opinion prevailing. However, Zhou Tianlin wasn't dismissing the idea entirely. He believed that if Zhao Dong continued to perform well and fan enthusiasm remained strong, the opportunity to expand basketball coverage would naturally arise.
---
At 11:50 a.m. on the 23rd, Zhao Dong had just finished his shooting drills when the system screen suddenly appeared before him.
Team Sniper Mission:
1. Help the team win (failure cancels the mission).
2. Make five mid-range shots.
3. Sink two three-pointers.
4. Block or steal from Allen Iverson five times.
5. Deliver no fewer than eight assist defenses on the perimeter.
6. Score at least seven points in fast breaks.
7. Commit no more than three turnovers.
8. Maintain a shooting percentage of no less than 45%.
9. Achieve a 20+10 or 20+5+5 performance.
Rewards:
Completing four tasks will earn a random quality or skill point.
Completing additional tasks will yield extra rewards.
Completing all tasks will unlock Allen Iverson's emergency stop jump shot technique.
"Team Sniper Mission?" Zhao Dong mused. This was the first time the system had assigned him a mission directly tied to the Knicks' victory. It seemed to indicate that his performance was now critical to the team's success.
The task objectives also suggested a push for him to expand his offensive and defensive range while diversifying his scoring methods—a direction perfectly aligned with his goals. Zhao Dong was excited about the reward, especially Iverson's emergency stop jump shot, a technique he yearned to master. As his speed increased, it was becoming harder to control his momentum during abrupt stops, which affected his shooting accuracy. Unlocking this skill would greatly improve his efficiency.
"System, why release the task ahead of time this time?" Zhao Dong asked, puzzled.
The system responded with an explanation, "The host is being monitored by more teams and players. Additional preparation time is necessary."
Zhao Dong immediately grasped the meaning behind these words. His performance had now drawn the attention of opposing teams' coaching staff, signaling that he would soon face stronger defenses, possibly even double-teams. Up until now, no team had applied such tactics against him, allowing him to operate freely and maintain high efficiency. However, double-teams would likely lead to a significant dip in his performance and overall stats.
Zhao Dong couldn't help but respect Michael Jordan's ability to thrive under pressure. The true distinction between a superstar and an ordinary player, he thought, lies in the ability to excel even against relentless double-teams—something he still needed to prove.
---
The ringing of his phone interrupted his thoughts.
"Hello, this is Zhao Dong."
"Hello, Zhao. This is David Falk, Michael Jordan's agent."
Zhao Dong was momentarily startled but quickly regained his composure. "Hello, Mr. Falk."
"Zhao, I'd like to have a conversation with you if you have some time," Falk said, his tone polite and measured. He had deliberated over this call for two days, gathering extensive information about Zhao Dong, including his time at Stony Brook University, his stint with the Seawolves, and even personal details like his recent girlfriends. What stood out to Falk was Zhao Dong's resilience, strategic mind, and unyielding personality—qualities reminiscent of Jordan himself.
From the recent media uproar surrounding Jordan, Falk had concluded that Zhao Dong was no reckless upstart. Approaching him required caution and diplomacy.
"Go ahead. I'm listening," Zhao Dong replied flatly.
"Thank you!" Falk said, maintaining his courteous tone. "Zhao, you're a player with immense potential. Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding between you and Michael—"
Zhao Dong interrupted him sharply. "Sorry to cut you off, Mr. Falk, but you've already made a mistake in approaching me."
Falk sounded puzzled. "And what is that?"
"Sincerity," Zhao Dong said coldly. "Don't take me for a fool, and don't assume I'm just another naïve rookie. If this is the tone you intend to take, don't bother calling me again."
With that, Zhao Dong ended the call abruptly.
---
Falk stared at his phone in disbelief, stunned by the rookie's directness. Across from him in the luxury suite of a Chicago hotel, Michael Jordan observed him calmly.
"Sincerity?" Jordan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's what he said," Falk replied, shaking his head. Zhao Dong was proving to be far more difficult than anticipated.
Falk rubbed his temples, deep in thought. "I didn't even finish my sentence before he cut me off. All I mentioned was the possibility of a misunderstanding... Oh, now I think I get it. He doesn't believe there is a misunderstanding between us. That's why he found my approach insincere."
Jordan scowled, frustration evident in his posture. "Damn it. What does he want?"
Privately, Jordan had been in an irritable state recently. The media frenzy and ongoing distractions had thrown off his focus, making it difficult for him to fully immerse himself in his game.
Falk sighed, his tone laced with resignation. "It seems he's completely convinced that you were involved in sabotaging his chances with the Bulls and that it's your fault he didn't get their contract."
Jordan's eyes narrowed as he recalled his phone call with Horace Grant. His anger flared. "Does he have a spy inside the Bulls organization? That damned rookie… what is he, a CIA agent or something?"
Falk shook his head, his expression one of both amusement and exasperation. Jordan's joke, while sarcastic, carried an undercurrent of genuine concern.
(End of the chapter)
--------
Thanks for reading! Send a Power Stone to support the story!
-----
Read 40 Chapters ahead
Påtreon.com/FanficLord03.